Reese Witherspoon apologizes for arrest: How do you rate the mea culpa?

The Academy Award-winning actress was arrested in Atlanta early Friday morning for disorderly conduct at the same time her husband, talent agent James Toth, was picked up for allegedly drinking and driving. Witherspoon reportedly had some words for the arresting officer, including the standard line for any celebrity facing arrest: “Do you know my name?”

Late on Sunday, she issued this statement via her publicist:

“I clearly had one drink too many and I am deeply embarrassed about the things I said. It was definitely a scary situation and I was frightened for my husband, but that is no excuse. I was disrespectful to the officer who was just doing his job. I have nothing but respect for the police and I’m very sorry for my behavior.”

Witherspoon’s publicist is Meredith O’Sullivan Wasson, who works at the PR shop 42West.

While some in the media suggested the arrest would tarnish Witherspoon’s brand, several others on Twitter praised her apology.